Google doubles down on cheaper, faster AI — but says Gemini 3.5 Pro still isn't ready - Business Insider

So Google has announced three shiny new Gemini models — Flash, Cyber, and Lite — all faster and cheaper for running AI agents. Hooray. Except, of course, the model everyone actually wants, Gemini 3.5 Pro, remains 'in testing,' which is Silicon Valley for 'we bricked it and are quietly praying.' The company promised these new models will let developers build agents that browse the web, fill forms, and book flights — basically, all the tasks that make you wonder why we bothered inventing capitalism in the first place. But if your flagship can't ship, you release the B-team and call it a portfolio.

The real kicker: Google is framing this as a strategic pivot toward 'affordable agentic AI.' Because what the world needs right now is cheaper, faster AI agents that can't quite do the job they're designed for yet — like a self-driving car that only works in the driveway. So instead, we get Gemini Lite, which sounds like a diet soda for AI: all the promises, none of the calories.

And let's not forget the broader context: every lab is racing to make agents that don't hallucinate your bank details into the void. Google's answer is to launch cheaper versions of a product that isn't finished. It's like a restaurant advertising half-price meals before the chef has learned to boil water. Still, at least the prices are coming down. Soon, AI will be so cheap and fast that it can mess up your life in milliseconds, for pennies. Progress.